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CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
Work It - Hiring for chemistry or capability – how much should personality matter?
Beyond KPIs and productivity, Gen Z workers also value healthy corporate culture. But is there a place for colleagues whose main contribution is their energy and charm? CNA TODAY columnist Kelvin Kao shares his research on the phenomenon of 'personality hires' - what do they bring to the table, and what we can learn from the way they work?

Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
askST Jobs: How Gen Zs can apply smarter, not harder, in their job search
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Young professionals should make upskilling a priority, and stay informed on trends within and beyond the industry they are in, says an expert. In this series, journalist Megan Wee offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter . Q: A recent LinkedIn survey of Gen Z job seekers found that 32 per cent struggle to highlight their skills during their job search, while 54 per cent wish they have a more efficient way to assess if they are a good fit for a role. Facing these challenges amid a competitive job market, how can young job seekers streamline the process? A: When it comes to job searching, young people are encouraged to approach it with intention, said LinkedIn Asia-Pacific's head of human resources, Ms Sumita Tandon. 'That means focusing on roles they're genuinely excited about and can see themselves growing in over the next couple of years – not just applying broadly,' she added. With companies increasingly employing skills-based hiring, she encourages young job seekers to focus on the core capabilities listed in the job descriptions, rather than the titles and number of years of experience needed. 'Many Gen Zs I speak to underestimate how much they've already learnt,' she said, explaining that many of them have subconsciously built valuable skills through school projects, co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs or volunteer work. These could include project management skills developed from organising a school event, people management skills from leading a student club, or problem-solving skills from volunteering. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Ms Evan Loke, director of the permanent division at recruitment firm Persolkelly Singapore, points out that job descriptions often contain broad terms, with the true expectations hidden between the lines. For example, 'strong communication skill' is not just about speaking well. It requires translating complex ideas between diverse teams, negotiating the scope of work with stakeholders and delivering persuasive presentations, she said. Ms Tandon added that given how LinkedIn profiles are recruiters' first stop in learning more about the candidates, it is worthwhile for job seekers to make their profiles work harder. For instance, instead of listing skills, job seekers can demonstrate how they have used these skills by providing real, concrete examples. Separately, Ms Loke emphasises quantifying the results of one's experience, like how many team members one leads in a role. Job seekers can also enhance their resumes and profiles with the addition of brief testimonials from people they have worked with, such as professors, managers or teammates, she added. Given how quickly the demand for job skills is changing, Ms Tandon stressed the importance of demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow by highlighting one's adaptability. Ms Loke suggested that young professionals keep a list of their accomplishments, enable smart job alerts and use easy-to-update resume templates. They can keep an ongoing list of their key skills – each accompanied by a few real-life examples – which helps with matching job requirements to their skills. Setting up job alerts based on one's top skills can also make it easier to find suitable job openings and allow one to observe patterns in how employers phrase their needs in such listings. Knowing the pattern would allow job seekers to curate a flexible template structured around specific skill groups, so that they can easily rearrange or swop out points to adapt the resume to the language of each job posting. 'One of the best things Gen Z professionals can do early in their careers is to adopt a growth mindset,' said Ms Tandon. First, young professionals should make it a habit to reflect on what they have learnt from different tasks, such as leading a project, working cross-functionally or navigating a challenge. Second, young professionals should actively seek feedback from their peers, managers and even interviewers. 'Understanding your strengths allows you to double down on them, while feedback on growth areas gives you a clear road map for what to improve or develop next,' she added. Finally, young professionals should make upskilling a priority, and stay informed on trends within and beyond the industry they are in. She said: 'Career growth is about continually investing in yourself, staying agile and being open to what's next... 'When you lead with this mindset, everything else will follow.'


CNA
3 days ago
- CNA
'A visionary leader': Industry players, ex-colleagues pay tribute to late Microsoft Singapore head Lee Hui Li
SINGAPORE: The late managing director of Microsoft Singapore Lee Hui Li was known as a visionary leader and someone who was warm and authentic, industry players and former colleagues told CNA on Friday (Jul 25). Ms Lee died on Thursday, according to her public obituary. She had gone on sabbatical from her role in May this year to focus on her health. Her wake is being held at the Church of St Ignatius in King's Road from Friday, with her funeral taking place on Monday morning. "Hui Li was a visionary leader whose impact on Microsoft and the broader technology landscape in Singapore was profound,' a Microsoft Singapore spokesperson told CNA. Throughout her career, Ms Lee was known 'not only for her strategic brilliance, but for her warmth, authenticity, and unwavering belief in the potential of others and of Singapore', the spokesperson added. 'She mentored countless leaders, built inclusive teams, and inspired all of us to lead with purpose. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Hui Li's family, friends, and colleagues,' she said. Ms Lee also chaired the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing's Industry Advisory Committee from July 2023. 'Hui Li was a deeply respected industry leader, known not only for her professional achievements but for her passion to make a meaningful impact on society,' said Mr Edward Chen, deputy chief executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). He called Ms Lee 'a tireless advocate for practical and forward-looking AI (artificial intelligence) education ', playing a pivotal role in shaping the new Business Artificial Intelligence Systems programme's curriculum to ensure its relevance to the evolving needs of industry. 'Beyond her accomplishments, Hui Li was a warm and trusted colleague – someone you could always count on to offer thoughtful advice and a helping hand,' said Mr Chen, who is a member of the committee too. 'Her generosity of spirit and commitment to nurturing the next generation will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with her.' Another committee member, Monetary Authority of Singapore assistant managing director for technology Vincent Loy, said Ms Lee was 'always open to new ideas and made efforts to ensure that everyone involved in the discussions and decision-making processes was heard and valued'. 'She was also a strong advocate for entrenching artificial intelligence into the university's curriculum, to make it future-proof. My heartfelt condolences to Hui Li and her family,' said Mr Loy. The NUS School of Computing said in a statement on its website that Ms Lee's 'unwavering dedication and wise counsel forged an enduring legacy, profoundly shaping the committee and the School'. 'Ms Lee played an instrumental role in launching Microsoft Research Asia-Singapore and strongly advocated for our Business Analytics and Intelligent Systems (BAIS) programme,' it said. Launched on Thursday, Microsoft Research Asia-Singapore is the firm's first research lab in Southeast Asia, focused on AI research and talent. 'Her influence will continue to resonate, and she will be deeply missed by all who worked alongside her,' the school said of Ms Lee's legacy. East Coast GRC Member of Parliament Jessica Tan, who was managing director of Microsoft Singapore from July 2013 to December 2016, said that she was 'a dynamic leader and committed to growing the impact of technology in Singapore'. DEEP INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE Ms Lee's death was first reported by financial news outlet The Business Times on Thursday. In her LinkedIn profile, Ms Lee described herself as someone with 'a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the rapidly evolving digital economy'. 'I am passionate about creating new innovation, building trust and resilience, empowering digital natives, and nurturing a culture of inclusion,' she wrote. 'I also champion diversity & inclusion, allyship, and encouraging more women to build their future in the technology industry, having initiated mentorship and coaching programs for female communities.' Ms Lee was managing director for Microsoft in Singapore and Brunei from March 2022. Before that, she was a general manager leading the firm's Asia-Pacific enterprise commercial sales and industry teams from July 2021. Her 27-year career had also taken her through other firms in the sector, such as IBM, Symantec, Dell, HP and EY, according to her LinkedIn profile. Since November 2023, Ms Lee had also been a member of the Ministry of Trade and Industry's Green Skills Committee, which identifies the skills needed in the industry as it shifts towards a sustainable, lower-carbon economy.